LOL, sort of thought that might be it. I saw the Chena the same way, open today, froze tight as a tic the next. Parts of the Tanana the same way. I loved the Klutina though, never saw an open spot on it from the Copper to the Lake while I was there.

I dont want to dissapoint or drag this out but, keep in mind there is probably another week plus of journal entry notes I have scribbled down. I'll keep trying to get one journal "day" per evening so as to not drag it out too long, but story writing is not my strong point, and I know I wont be available this weekend to write any.

I promise, Ken and I want to find out how this story ends just as badly as you all do. LOL

OK I'll try this brief story just to ward off the DT's in some of you.

I hope I don't steal any of Okie's thunder here.

On the last day of the trip we were out pulling sets and I was feeling guilty that I hadn't really provided a complete Alaskan experience for Okie.

We stopped to pull a marten set and had two wolverine buckets nearby. I eyeballed the severe dip in the ice on the slough ahead of me, and knowing what this spot can be like, I told Okie to stay on the sled and we'd take a short cut and pull up right next to the traps. Remember, we'd had several days above 32 and then a little snow.

So I pull forward and make a hard left across the dip and.....almost make it across. Just the right amount of overflow brought us to a halt.

I told Okie to grab the shovel and start moving dry snow under the machine. I rolled the machine on it's side and let him stand in the water and shovel. It was great. I could see the pleasure and delight in his eyes.

I flipped the machine back upright and pulled ahead onto solid snow. Okie followed, sloshing through the mess while dragging the sled.